St. John’s coach scheduled in court Tuesday on charges he operated vehicle while intoxicated

2/9/2013

BY RYAN AUTULLO BLADE SPORTS WRITER

Ed Heintschel recently won his 600th game at St. John's, where he has coached for 34 years.

St. John's Jesuit basketball coach Ed Heintschel is scheduled to appear in a Maumee courtroom Tuesday on charges he operated a vehicle while intoxicated.

Heintschel, who has won more than 600 games in his 34 seasons as head coach, was pulled over Nov. 26 for not using his turn signal and almost hitting another vehicle, according to the arrest report. Heintschel, 62, later registered a .140 blood alcohol content, nearly twice the legal limit in Ohio.

Heintschel, who pleaded not guilty at an earlier proceeding, told the arresting officer he had consumed two Manhattan drinks.

Heintschel, a counselor and teacher at the school, did not return a phone message seeking comment. St. John’s refused to make available president Rev. Joaquin O. Martinez or athletics director Robert Ronai.

"This charge did not occur during school hours," a spokesman at the school said in a published statement. "He was not driving to or from any school event. This matter is pending in court. Mr. Heintschel is following the proper court process to conclusion."

Heintschel, traveling west on Dussel Drive at 10:30 p.m., made a wide left turn onto Middlesbrough Court, almost striking another vehicle. Moments later he turned left, back onto Dussel, without using a turn signal, according to the report. The arresting officer indicated in his report that Heintschel had "glassy eyes that were also slightly bloodshot" and the coach smelled of alcohol. Heintschel failed a standardized field sobriety test and was taken into custody. He was later released.

In a Jan. 18 home triumph over Central Catholic, Heintschel became the 10th coach in Ohio history to win 600 games. He is the only coach to achieve that feat coaching exclusively in Division I.

St. John's (15-3 overall and 9-1 in the Three Rivers Athletic Conference) has won eight straight games after winning Friday’s game against St. Francis. Heintschel did coach his team.

"St. John’s Jesuit is supportive of Mr. Heintschel as he goes through this difficult period," school principal Brad Bonham said.